2016 Infiniti Q50 Boosts Powertrain Performance

A lot of people buy cars solely on their looks but, like the old saying goes, you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. You should also pop the hood and get acquainted with what’s underneath in order to truly get to know a vehicle.

Infiniti has taken this to heart and pulled out all the technological stops to ensure mechanical superiority with the new Q50. The mid-sized luxury sedan boasts a twin-turbocharged 3-liter V-6 engine capable of up to 400 horsepower. This new engine replaces the outgoing VQ engine, which has made the “Wards 10 Best Engines” list almost every year since it came out in 1995. And the new Q50 is sure to make the list, because it improves performance without downgrading fuel economy.

The Q50 is expertly designed with lightweight materials, so there’s no need to rebalance the chassis to support any additional weight. This doesn’t mean that the Q50’s engine redesign left it stripped of any of the essentials – in fact, it’s furnished with the latest improvements including direct fuel injection, electric cam timing, an electric water pump, low-friction cylinder linings and integrated exhaust manifolds.

What all this equates to is a 10 percent increase in turbine speed, reduction of emissions and a faster heat management system. Infiniti engineers also found a way to enhance efficiency and overall turbo performance by incorporating a water intercooler system that chills air as it enters the turbo-system. This eliminates any delay in acceleration and reduces turbo lag.

Another appealing feature included in the Q50 is an industry first: the engine has an optical turbocharger turbine speed sensor that spins up to 220,000 revs, boosting the new model’s turbo system by 30 percent.

The vehicle comes with a beefed up suspension that includes 19 inch wheels with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, dynamic digital suspension options with direct adaptive steering. Its electronically controlled suspension also showcases 4-wheel power-assisted disc brakes with anti-lock and brake assist, as well as stability and traction control.

The Infiniti Q50 scored an impressive safety rating, receiving five stars for overall crash protection. The vehicle is equipped with front side airbags, side curtain airbags, the Infiniti Connection telematics service – this includes roadside assistance – stolen vehicle reporting, a rearview camera and remote door unlocking.

Drivers can also choose to purchase additional safety features including front and rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, multiview parking camera system, blind spot and lane departure warning and a prevention system with active lane control, which senses road surface changes and corrects steering to reduce driver error and fatigue.

Bonus: the chic, full leather interior reflects the same meticulous attention to detail found underneath the hood, providing a unique experience for passengers and drivers alike. Now you can ride in comfort without sacrificing style.

The Infiniti Q50 is the total package – a combination of sophisticated looks and advanced technology. There isn’t another mid-sized luxury sedan on the market offering this blend of class and power. Watch for its sister car, the Infiniti Q60, which makes its debut at the Detroit Auto Show and will be available later this year.